WineGuessrRed grape variety
Carmenère
Also called Grande Vidure, Carménère
Carmenère is a red grape from the Médoc, Bordeaux, known for medium-bodied wines with red fruit, spice and soft tannins. Thought lost after phylloxera, it was identified in Chile in 1994, where it had been mistaken for Merlot. Chile had over 8,800 hectares in 2009.
| Color | Red (black-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Médoc, Bordeaux, France (a cross of Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet) |
| Body | Medium |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Tannin | Medium |
| Typical aromas | red fruit, berries, spice, cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco, leather |
| Key regions | Colchagua Valley (Chile), Rapel Valley (Chile), Maipo Valley (Chile), Aconcagua Valley (Chile), Bordeaux (France) |
Origin and history
Carmenère originated in the Médoc in Bordeaux. DNA shows its parents are Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet, also called Trousseau Noir. The name comes from the French carmin, crimson, after the brilliant colour of its leaves in autumn before they fall. In the late 19th century phylloxera devastated European vineyards, and Carmenère proved especially hard to replant, so for many years it was presumed extinct. It had, however, been taken to Chile before the crisis, where it grew mixed with Merlot and was sold under that name. In 1994 the French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot identified it as a distinct variety, and Chile's Department of Agriculture officially recognised it in 1998.
Where it grows
Chile is the world centre of Carmenère, with more than 8,800 hectares in 2009, and it is regarded as the country's emblematic grape. The main areas are the Colchagua Valley and the wider Rapel Valley in O'Higgins, and Maipo, where it is part of Puente Alto blends such as Almaviva and wines from Puente Alto. Further north, the Aconcagua Valley also produces it. In Bordeaux, where it was once part of Médoc blends, it is now rare. Because Chile only recognised the grape as distinct in 1998, many older Chilean wines labelled Merlot contained Carmenère.
Taste, wine styles and food
Carmenère gives deep red wines with aromas of red fruits, berries and spices, and sometimes cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco and leather. It is usually medium-bodied, with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Its soft texture recalls Merlot, the grape it was confused with in Chile for over a century. It appears both as a varietal and in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon. Its supple structure makes it versatile: it suits grilled meat, roast vegetables, spicy dishes and, thanks to its softer tannins, some fish dishes. The red wine guide gives more on styles.
Wines made with Carmenère (4)
WineGuessr lists 4 wines made with Carmenère, all from Chile.
Carmenère: questions and answers
Is Carmenère the same as Merlot?
No. Carmenère is a separate variety that grew mixed with Merlot in Chile and was sold as Merlot until it was identified in 1994.
What does Carmenère taste like?
Carmenère tastes of red fruits and berries with spice, and sometimes cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco or leather. It is medium-bodied with soft tannins.
Why is Carmenère associated with Chile?
Carmenère almost vanished from Bordeaux after phylloxera but survived in Chile, which had more than 8,800 hectares in 2009 and treats it as its emblematic grape.
Where does the name Carmenère come from?
The name comes from the French carmin, meaning crimson, after the bright red colour of the vine's leaves in autumn.
Other red grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.